Laser, Mirror, Topper Open at Bassenthwaite Sailing Club

Henry and Jamie Rastrick win the 2014 Bass Mirror Open © Robin Dawson

The youngest competitor at the open, Lily Smith aged 4, sailing with her Dad, Commodore of Bass SC Andy Smith © Robin Dawson

Twenty-nine boats across three fleets descended on Bassenthwaite Lake for a one day open meeting. The forecast was set for a strong breeze and some thunder and lightening.

However, the weather proved to be a very mixed bag ranging from bright and sunny to dull and drizzle/rain. The wind was very erratic and every time the Principal Race Officer set a line, the wind swung drastically. After about half an hour of delays, the line was set, the wind again swung, but the OD opted to get racing underway despite the challenge of a running start in light airs. The wind continued to swing and many boats had to beat on each leg of the triangular course!

After the first race there was a lunch break and the wind came in with fits and starts. It seemed that an earlier SE breeze was settling in, and race 2 got underway. It wasn't long before the wind swung again with Sale Fell partially shadowing the course, and turning the beat into a fetch.

After yet another wind swing to the west, the last race race wasn't looking promising when the wind faded for the Laser start, but it did freshen, settle in direction and resulted in the best sailing conditions of the event.

Although Henry and Jamie Rastrick from Ripon had a poor first race, they pulled it together and improved over the following races finishing with a net 3 pts, the same as David and Edward Coady from Derwent Reservoir. The tie was split in the Rastrick's favour on the last race. Special mention has to go to two young mirror crews Erin Dawson aged 9 and Lily Smith aged 4 from Bassenthwaite who not only entered their first open meetings, but persevered despite the horrible weather.

Ethan Dawson won the first race in in the Lasers, however, Tony Bamforth from Annandale improved his positions in each of the races finishing with an unbeatable net 3 pts. Tim Luke from Killington and Ethan Dawson battled it out for 2nd place, each finishing with a net 4 pts, the tie being split in Ethan's favour on the last race.

The Topper fleet saw a gaggle of juniors progressing through from the Clubs RYA training to compete in their first open meeting. Harry Binns led the way (while the others seemed to do a lot of chatting as the sailed round) in the first two races to win overall. Jamie Kerr came 2nd overall with 3 pts, while David Rodger's 2nd split a tie with Hazel Newport in his favour to finish 3rd and 4th respectively. It was excellent to see all the youngsters on the water.

Overall Results: